Roses

"Spanning the 20th century, the story of Roses takes place in a small East Texas town against the backdrop of the powerful timber and cotton industries, industries controlled by the scions of the town's founding families"--Provided by publisher.

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Pretty average in all ways but the ending was very disappointing. I have liked family saga books in the past, but this one just didn't do it for me. This one was pretty heavy on the romance and pretty light on everything else.

This is what I would consider an epic novel. It spans four generations of three wealthy Texas families. The novel begins in present day, while the main characters are old and one is dying. From the beginning of the novel, you're prepared for a huge secret, which the author conceals well until the time is right for the reader to know what the secret is, and the impact it has on the characters. This novel is the epitome of a historical drama - war, romance and tragedy abounds.

I also like to comment on the narrator. She did a fine job. I couldn't wait to get back in the car to listen to more of this story.

Roses legitimately can be called an epic. Spanning several generations of two intertwined families, it points out the far-reaching regrets that result from abandoning relationships in favor of a family legacy. In Mary Tolivar, Leila has created a dynamic -- if frustrating -- lead character who, as she faces death, recognizes the missed opportunities of her early choices and makes a surprising decision in order to prevent her beloved niece from repeating her mistakes.